Meet the Team: Board of Directors
Jessica Watt
Chairperson and
Strategic Planning Lead
My name is Jessica Watt. I joined the board in early September 2021 and I have two children that attend the daycare. The primary reason I volunteered to serve on the board was to contribute something meaningfully and help the daycare implement its new strategic plan. After joining I was able to see the fantastic work that the board has already accomplished with the management team and I hope to be able to assist more going forward.
Danielle Farley
Vice-Chairperson
Hi, my name is Danielle Farley. I moved to Melfort in 2015 and recently joined the board in March, 2022. I have two kiddos, my oldest goes to site 2 in the pre-school room and my youngest is in the infant room. I am currently committed to the policy and procedure committee reviewing, updating, and creating daycare policies,
Vacant
Treasurer
The Treasurer’s primary responsibility is to lead the Board members through the financial records, helping members to understand the financial situation of the MDC, ensuring that the accounting and bookkeeping work is done according to generally accepted methods, ensuring that an auditor is appointed, presents the annual financial statements to the membership, and assists in the preparation of the annual budget.
Jen Chyz
Communications Lead
My name is Jen Chyz. I joined the board in September 2022 while on maternity leave from teaching. My family moved to Melfort in late 2019 and the Melfort Daycare Co-op was our first choice of childcare for our oldest. I joined the board because I wanted to be able to contribute to her care and gain an understanding of what happens behind the scenes. I look forward to helping the MDC grow into the future!
Steph Yelland
Officer
My name is Steph Yelland. We moved to Melfort in 2015 and I joined the board in 2024. We have 2 children, my daughter is at site 1 downstairs and my son is at site 2 in the transition room. My interest in joining the board stems from wanting to be more involved in my children's care away from home, and to be able to contribute to it in a meaningful way!
Taneyl Peterson
Officer
My name is Taneyl Peterson and I joined the board of directors in September 2022. I have a son who has attended daycare at Site 2 since July 2022. I am originally from Birch Hills but I have been calling Melfort home since 2017. It was important for me to get involved on the board because I wanted to be apart of my sons life when I couldn’t be with him during the day. I take a special interest in the fundraising aspect of things but I will enjoy learning more about the board as a whole and helping out where I can
Vacant
Fundraiser Lead
The Fundraising/Sponsorship Lead is responsible for overseeing the progress toward our fundraising and sponsorship goals. They organize and develop fundraising campaigns and gather support from our community. Revenue from these campaigns is geared at enhancing the daycare experience, through improvements in our facilities and programs. A brief report at the board meeting is made monthly.
Natalie Crowdis
Officer
My name is Natalie Crowdis. I am mom to Remi at site two and currently on mat leave with my second baby boy, Archer. When not on mat leave I am a work-away mom. This is why I have chosen to get involved with the board, so I can stay involved in my childrens learning and development while away and better understand the day to day operations of the daycare.
Naomi Farley
Co-Secretary
My name is Naomi Farley. I've lived in Melfort for about 5 years and recently joined the board in October 2022. I have a daughter that has attended Site 2 since August 2021. I joined the board to be more involved in my daughter's activities and time away from home, and to help keep a fun and safe environment for her and others.
Kara Salisbury
Officer
Vacant
Officer
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Officers’ primary responsibilities are to attend the monthly board meetings, participate in the discussion and vote on any motions, and be involved in committees or assisting the leads when necessary. Officers are also to maintain lines of communication between Board and centre staff through email, Whatsapp, and Zoom as necessary and are often called on to volunteer for MDC functions (including fundraisers and work bees). Officers with specific skill sets may also be tasked with other duties as needed.
Interested in Joining the Board?
Getting involved on a board is a way to find joy, passion, and friendships while enhancing the lives of others.
The Melfort Daycare is currently looking to grow the board of directors by 3 members. It is an exciting time for the daycare, with the recent creation of a strategic plan. We are an upbeat and passionate board/management team and we’d love to become even stronger with your help! Our goal is to become a more focused, productive, and efficient board to improve the success of the organization. The assignment of more delegated and specific roles will be vital to our success. We feel that optimizing care for our children begins with strong leadership from above!
Time commitment includes 1 meeting per month, ongoing participation in our board email and WhatsApp discussions when required, and doing other small tasks between meetings (5-10 hours/month). Our monthly meetings take place in the evening of the third Wednesday of each month (6:30 – 9:00 p.m.). Board member terms can range from 1 year to multiple years.
Please use this form here if you are interested in being a part of the MDC Board of Directors. No experience is necessary as we have a friendly and supportive group that will assist where needed, and board training will be provided. We look forward to hearing from you!
Melfort Daycare Co-operative Board ByLaws.
Here is a full orientation checklist for new board members.
Vacant Roles:
Treasurer
Fundraiser Lead
Click here to see a full description of all Board roles.
Committee Roles:
Individuals can either serve on the Board of Directors and/or one of these committees or just be a member of one or more of the committees listed below:
Strategic Planning Committee: This committee works directly with the Strategic Planning Lead. It is continuously looking to improve the daycare experience and day-to-day operations.
Policy Planning Committee: This committee works directly with the designated lead. It has the goal of ensuring the daycare has policies and procedures in place to guide the operations of the daycare sites in a legal and ethical manner.
Fundraising/ Sponsorship Committee: This committee oversees and directs fundraising activities and works directly with the Fundraising/ Sponsorship Lead.
Please note: The time commitment for committee roles will vary and will depend on your level of engagement.
CONTACT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS